Rideshare Accidents: Who Is Liable?

The rise of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has created new challenges in accident liability. When a rideshare vehicle is involved in an accident, determining who is responsible can be complicated. Understanding how liability works in these cases is essential for anyone involved in a rideshare accident.

Rideshare Insurance Coverage Periods

Rideshare companies provide different levels of insurance coverage depending on the driver's status at the time of the accident. When the app is off, the driver's personal insurance applies. When the app is on but no ride is accepted, limited coverage applies. When a ride is accepted or in progress, the rideshare company's full commercial policy typically provides up to $1 million in coverage.

Who Can Be Held Liable

Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, another driver involved in the accident, or even the vehicle manufacturer if a defect contributed to the crash. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability.

Challenges Unique to Rideshare Claims

Rideshare accident claims can be complicated by disputes over the driver's status at the time of the accident, gaps in insurance coverage, the independent contractor status of drivers, and coordination between multiple insurance policies.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident

If you're involved in a rideshare accident, document the accident thoroughly, note the driver's rideshare status (check if the app was active), report the accident through the rideshare app, seek medical attention, and consult with an attorney experienced in rideshare accident cases.